Google engineers often wear multiple hats. As well as being a Google software engineer, I'm a founding member and director of the Australian chapter of the Internet Society. So I was doubly glad to hear that Google Australia has become a Silver sponsor of ISOC Australia.

Google this week hosted the annual ISOC Australia Board strategy meeting. Board members were apparently impressed with "Big Red", the espresso coffee machine in the Engineering section. Apart from frothing cappuccinos, the meeting was also a great opportunity to use the collaborative aspects of Google Apps. Board members in different locations participated in editing our strategy plans via Google Docs, over teleconference.

ISOC Australia's motto is "The Internet is for Everyone". ISOC and Google Australia are committed to promoting the development of the Internet, based on the local needs of Australian consumers.

Ed: Among other Australian industry organisations, we're also a proud member of the Internet Industry Association, which provides input to Governments to enhance access, equity, reliability and growth of the internet medium within Australia. Our Australian Engineering Director, Alan Noble, published an article in The Australian newspaper this morning about the development of the IT industry in Australia.